Trump Heads to Beijing for High-Stakes Talks With Xi Jinping
US President Donald Trump has departed for Beijing for high-profile talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The agenda includes trade, Taiwan and global security crises. The visit marks Trump's first trip to China since 2017 and the first state visit between the two leaders since his return to the White House.
Donald Trump departed for China on Tuesday for a two-day programme in Beijing. The talks are expected to cover trade imbalances, export controls and access to technology. Major executives such as Apple's Tim Cook and Tesla's Elon Musk are accompanying the president on the visit.
Taiwan remains one of the most sensitive items on the bilateral agenda. Beijing has sharply criticised recent US weapons sales to Taipei. The White House has said the longstanding 'One China' policy will not change as a result of the summit.
The agenda also includes the Iran war, North Korea's nuclear programme and the continuing conflict in Ukraine. China's foreign ministry spokesperson said Beijing expects a constructive meeting based on 'mutual respect and equality'. Whether the two sides will issue a joint statement at the end of the talks remains uncertain.
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